Budva, Montenegro offers a plethora of amazing sights and attractions. If you’re interested in architecture, the best things to see in Budva are:

1. 1. Church of St. Ivan
   2. Citadel
   3. Church of the Holy Trinity
   4. The Narrow Streets of Old Town
   5. Old Town Walls
   6. Plaža Ričardova Glava
   7. City Museum of Budva
   8. Statua Ballerina
   9. Santa Maria in Punta Church
   10. Church of St. Sabbas the Sanctified
   11. The Main Gate
   12. Gradenigo Tower
   13. Mogren Beach
   14. Budva Bell
   15. Ruins of Roman-era Necropolis
   16. Hill of Budva

We spent all of February visiting the sights in Budva. Based on our experience, we compiled this list of the best things to see.

If you don’t have a month to explore, you can follow our suggested Budva Walking Tour and easily see all the top things on our list in one day.

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aka St. John’s Church aka Church of Sveti Ivan (Crkva Sv. Ivana)

Style: Gothic
Built: 7th century
Address: 7RGQ+X7P, Budva, Montenegro

The building consists of three attached yet separate structures: the belfry on the left, the church in the middle, and the bishop’s palace on the right.

The Church

According to tradition, the Church dedicated to the birth of St. John the Baptist was originally built in the form of a rotunda during the 7th century. It underwent significant changes during the 12th, 15th, 17th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Today’s building originates from the end of the 17th century. It is a three-story basilica with Gothic details on the façade. Until 1828, it served as a cathedral.

The altar area of ​​the church of St. Ivan is covered with a monumental mosaic made by the famous Dubrovnik painter Ivo Dulčić in the 1960s. The unusually vivid color mosaic depicts St. John the Baptist giving a sermon to the people of Budva.

Many valuable things, such as the icon of the Holy Mother of God with Christ, better known as Budvanska Bogorodica (Holy Mother of God of Budva), are kept in the church. According to a legend, the author of this icon is considered to be Sveti Luka (St. Luke), while according to expert opinions, this icon dates from the 13th or 14th century. From the other valuable things, we should, by all means, mention the painting of Sveti Petar and Pavle (St. Peter and Paul), a piece of work of Venetian school, icons of Greek origins, and the painting of Sveti Luka, the work of Anastas Bocaric.

The Belfry

The Bell Tower of the Church of St. Ivan dominates Budva’s Old Town. It’s located on the north side of the church. The text MDCCCL (1850) in its square base indicates the year construction began. The work was completed in 1867.

Previously, there was a smaller Baroque bell tower with a rougher shape. It is assumed that it was demolished in the 1667 earthquake.

The Bishop’s Palace

To the south of the church stands a building that served as the Bishop’s Palace until 1828, when the church ceased to be the seat of the diocese.

The palace was built in a rough, almost rustic neo-Gothic technique with Gothic windows.

aka Castle of St. Mary (Citadela)

Built: before 1425
Address: 7RGQ+V66, Budva, Montenegro

The Citadel is located in the southern part of the city. It is one of the rare examples of a historically layered building on the Montenegrin coast. It was the main stronghold of the Old Town of Budva, and in ancient times it probably functioned as an acropolis. The first written mention of the Citadel dates back to 1425.

Medieval Towers on the Citadel

The Citadel has distinctive construction styles from the Middle Ages and the time of Austro-Hungarian rule. The Citadel had two towers. The latest research has confirmed that material remains from the Middle Ages are found in its core. It was built in several phases and was once an important strategic structure.

Church of St. Trinity aka Holy Trinity Church (Crvka Sveti Trojica aka Crvka Sv. Trojice aka Crvka Sveto Trojstvo)

Built: from 1804
Address: 7RGQ+X48, Budva 85310, Montenegro

The church was built in 1804. The architectural design resembles the Church of the Assumption (Podostrog monastery). It was constructed with whitish and red hewn stone arranged in belts.

Iconostasis of the Church of the Holy Trinity

The Holy Trinity adorns the high iconostasis, which was painted in 1833 by Naum Zetiri, a painter from the island of Milos.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the famous painter Marko Gregović made icons for the same iconostasis, which, until the earthquake in 1979, covered older icons.

Icons in the Church of the Holy Trinity

The Greek icon painter Nikola Aspioti made the side throne icons on the iconostasis of the Church of the Holy Trinity. They presented St. John the Baptist on the left and the Holy Trinity on the right. The silver-encrusted throne icons with representations of Christ on the right and the Virgin and Child on the left of the imperial doors were a gift from Georgij Madžarević in 1852.

One of the best things to see in Budva is the Old Town (Stari Grad). This ancient town, over 2,500 years old, is incredibly picturesque with its labyrinth of narrow streets and charming squares. Wander through the old town and soak in the rich history and culture surrounding you.

Bedemi Starog Grada

Built: 9th – 17th century

The city walls of Budva are a must-see attraction for visitors. These ancient walls surround the old town and offer breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. Walking along the walls allows you to immerse yourself in the history and charm of this coastal city. You can explore the narrow streets, admire the architecture, and take in panoramic vistas from various vantage points. The city walls of Budva are not only a historical landmark but also a perfect spot to capture stunning photographs and create lasting memories.

Ricardova Glava Beach is a 100-yard-long pebbly beach that extends from the Old Town Walls to the promenade leading to Mogren Beach.

The Museum preserves, protects, and presents the cultural heritage of Budva from ancient times until the 20th century. The exhibitions in the Museum are organized in archaeological and ethnographic collections.

Coat of Arms Above the Entrance

Above the entrance is a carved coat of arms, which is believed to have belonged to the Budva Mikula family. The central representation of a dog is surrounded by stylized floral decoration. The initials M and C are legible in the upper part, and the year 1825 in the lower part.

Remains of an Ancient Street

There remains of a Roman road are preserved in the lapidary of the Museum of the City of Budva. These monolithic stone slabs of a reddish color are arranged in regular rows.

aka “Dancer from Budva” aka “Gymnast from Budva”

Address: 43 Primorskog bataljona, Budva, Montenegro

The symbol of Budva is the statute commonly referred to as the “The Ballerina from Budva,” this is not an accurate description because the girl does not have the main attribute of a ballerina – a skirt called a “pack.” In fact, the dancer does not have clothes at all!

The sculpture of the dancer is one of the most famous and photographed attractions in Budva. The beautiful and graceful bronze gymnast, located on a rock among the rocks near Mogren Beach, is a symbol of fidelity and has recently become an unofficial symbol of the city of Budva.

Despite its popularity, very little is known about the history of this sculpture. According to local legend, it represents a girl who was engaged to a sailor. The sailor sailed away to make money for their future together but never returned. This statue serves as a reminder of their love and the hope that they will be reunited one day. It is a beautiful piece of art and a poignant symbol of love and longing.

Crkva Santa Maria in Punta

Style: Pre-Romanesque
Built: from 840
Address: 7RGP+WWW, Budva, Montenegro

It is one of the oldest pre-Romanesque churches on the Adriatic Coast. Founded in 840, it was originally part of the Benedictine monastery. It was later taken over by the Franciscans and, at the beginning of the 19th century, by the French.

There is a square-shaped belfry from the Romanesque period next to the apse on the eastern side of the church. The ground floor of the bell tower could serve as a sacristy. On the eastern side, there are authentic examples of stone sculptures from the Romanesque period.

Coat of Arms of the Catholic Order of Friars Minor

The coat of arms of this Catholic Franciscan order is located on the eastern side of the square tower bell tower of the Church of Santa Maria in Punta. In the circle of the coat of arms, two crossed hands are represented as symbols of the monks of the Franciscan order, who took over the church from the Benedictines at the end of the 13th century.

Tablets with Inscriptions

There are inscriptions in Latin on four stone slabs on the inner side of the north wall. The oldest is from the year 840, when the church was built; others refer to the periods of reconstruction and originate from 1219; and the youngest is from 1765.

aka Church of St. Sava the Anointed aka Church of St. Sava the Saint aka Crkva Sv. Save Osvecenog (St. Sabba Abas)

Style: Romanesque
Built: 12th century A.D.
Address: 7RGP+VXV, Budva, Montenegro

The Church of Saint Sabbas was built in the 12th century. It’s a Romanesque one-nave building with a semicircular apse facing east, without a bell tower. During Venetian rule, prayer rites of both Catholic and Orthodox traditions were performed in the church. A stone tablet with the inscription 1141 (the year the church was built) was discovered after the earthquake in 1979.

aka Great Gate (Velja vrata aka Puerta de Terra Ferita aka Porta di Terra Ferma)

Address: 7RHP+9M6, Trg Slikara, Budva, Montenegro

The main city gate is located on the west side of the Old Town. Above the gate is a military observation post, from which the security of the city was guarded.

Coats of Arms Above the Main City Gate

Above the Old Town’s main western entrance are stone sculptures originating from the Middle Ages. With three eight-pointed stars and the representation of a winged lion, the symbol of the Republic of Venice, they represent the authentic coat of arms of the medieval city of Budva.

Mosaic Icon on the Inside of the Main City Gate

The mosaic icon on the inside of the main city gate is a reminder of the icon of the Virgin and Christ. For centuries, the icon was in a niche with a lamp always lit.

Kula Gradenigo

Built: 15th century

The Budva ramparts got their present appearance at the end of the Middle Ages. The walls surround the entire city center and are connected to the Citadel and defensive towers at the corners of the city. The main tower, Gradenigo, is on the northwest side of the Old Town. A second tower, called Repeno, is on the northeast side.

Venetian Coat of Arms

There is a winged lion with a scroll in its hands on the Gradenigo Tower from the 15th century. The winged lion is the symbol of the evangelist St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice, who ruled the city of Budva from the 15th to the end of the 18th century.

Address: 7RHQ+J36, Budva, Montenegro

The Bell and Anchor is near the walls of the Old Town. It consists of a large church bell of golden color, decorated with Orthodox crosses and paintings, and a huge, old ship anchor.

Built: 5th century B.C.
Address: 7RHP+CFR, Budva, Montenegro

Near the hotel Avala there are the remains of a Roman necropolis from the 5th century B.C. In addition to the authentic walls, in the center stands out the stone tombstone (1 m high) decorated with carved wreaths of leaves and flowers resting on the heads of rams.

Brijeg od Budva

If you’re still on the fence after reading about the 16 Best Things to See, check out “Is Budva Worth Visiting.” We review a long list of factors you should consider before reserving a room and booking your flight.

If you only have one day (or even just a couple hours) in Budva, we suggest visiting the recommended sites in the following order:

1. 1. Gradenigo Tower
   2. Budva Bell
   3. City Museum of Budva
   4. Church of St. Ivan
   5. Citadel
   6. Old Town Walls
   7. Church of the Holy Trinity
   8. Church of St. Sabbas the Sanctified
   9. Santa Maria in Punta Church
   10. The Narrow Streets of Old Town
   11. The Main Gate
   12. Hill of Budva
   13. Ruins of Roman-era Necropolis
   14. Plaža Ričardova Glava
   15. Statua Ballerina
   16. Mogren Beach

Following the suggested itinerary will take you past all 16 of the Best Things to See in Budva and through much of the Old Town! Depending on your level of urgency, you could complete the walking tour in less than an hour. This estimate allows time to stop for photos and take a peak inside the churches, but it does not include tours of the City Museum or the Citadel. These attractions will take approximately 1hr each – so you can see pretty much everything in Budva in 3hrs or less.

Want to learn about the history of Budva with a guide? Book a highly-rated city tour while visiting Budva!

Budva is a beautiful coastal town in Montenegro with plenty to offer visitors. Here are some suggestions for what to do in Budva over a 2-day period:

Day 1

1. Explore the Old Town: Start your visit by wandering through Budva’s charming Old Town, which is filled with narrow streets, ancient stone buildings, and historic landmarks.

2. Visit the Citadel: Climb up to the Citadel, a fortress located on top of a hill that offers panoramic views of the town and coastline.

3. Relax on Mogren Beach: Spend some time soaking up the sun and enjoying the crystal-clear waters at Mogren Beach, located just outside the Old Town.

4. Sample the local cuisine: Enjoy a sunset dinner on the waterfront with a beach view and indulge in the incredible octopus and squid dishes that Montenegro is known for.

Day 2

1. Take a boat tour: Explore the stunning coastline by taking a boat tour from Budva’s harbor. You can visit nearby islands, caves, and hidden beaches.

2. Visit Sveti Stefan: Take a short drive or boat ride to Sveti Stefan, a picturesque island village known for its luxury resorts and beautiful beaches.

3. Discover Jaz Beach: Spend the afternoon at Jaz Beach, one of Montenegro’s longest sandy beaches where you can swim, relax, or enjoy water sports activities. Jaz Beach is located near the old town and is considered one of Montenegro’s best beaches.

4. Experience Budva nightlife: In the evening, immerse yourself in Budva’s vibrant nightlife scene. Explore the numerous bars, clubs, and beachside lounges that come alive after dark, offering live music, DJ sets, and a lively atmosphere.

There are many great places to stay in Budva. For the best experience, we recommend staying near the Old Town (the castle marker on the map below). If you don’t stay in the Old Town, we recommend staying near the sea. The architecture of Budva is not as memorable as you go inland and away from the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea.

Here’s an interactive map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

Book your stay now!

Budva is a coastal town in Montenegro that is famous for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich history. It is known as the “Montenegrin Miami” due to its lively atmosphere and popular summer party scene. Budva’s historic Old Town features narrow streets lined with medieval stone houses, ancient churches, and a fortress. The town also offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and is a popular destination for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

Additionally, Budva is known for the nearby luxury island resort Aman Sveti Stefan.

Yes, Budva is beautiful. It has miles of beaches, views of the mountains, and unique historic buildings.

Additionally, the nearby Sveti Nikola Island, also known as “Hawaii Island,” offers stunning turquoise blue waters and picturesque beaches surrounded by tall cliffs. The island’s beauty is often compared to scenes from a James Bond movie. With its sheer cliffs and tropical vibes, Sveti Nikola is a paradise for beach lovers and adventure seekers. Visitors can take a boat ride to the island and explore its sandy beaches or simply enjoy the beautiful views from the shore. It is truly a hidden gem in Budva that should not be missed.

If you fly into Podgorica Airport, it’s just over an hour’s drive to Budva. However, if you fly into Tivat Airport, you can take a short 25 min. drive or taxi ride to Budva.

If you need door-to-door service, then a taxi from the airport to the front door of your hotel is best. To arrange a taxi or private transfer in advance, we recommend GetTransfer.

Yes, if you enjoy walled old towns with historic architecture and excellent seafood, you will like Budva. We explored this question in depth in our article “Is Budva, Montenegro Worth Visiting?”

You can see all of Budva on foot in a few hours. However, we recommend staying at least one night to enjoy dinner and the riva after dark. Of course, there’s plenty to see and do including beach and boating activities during the summer months if you have time for a longer stay.

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The best time to visit Budva depends entirely on the purpose of your travels. If you’re v visiting Budva o explore the Old Town, the shoulder season with cooler weather and fewer crows will likely be the best time to visit. The shoulder season in Budva is April, May, October, and November.

For others, the best time to visit Budva is during the hottest summer days. Significantly, Budva is known for its stunning beaches, making it the perfect destination for a beach vacation in the Balkans and, in fact, one of the best places in all of Europe. The Budva Riviera offers a variety of beautiful beaches, including Slovenska Plaza, Jaz Beach, and Mogren Beach. Slovenska Plaza is one of the main beaches in Budva, located on the Budva Riviera. It is known for its long stretch of sandy shoreline and tends to get crowded during the summertime. With a length of about a mile, it offers plenty of space for sunbathing and relaxation.

Here’s a weather graph to help you determine the best time to visit Budva.

Budva is a coastal town on the Adriatic Sea in central Montenegro. It’s about 1 hr west of Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital city, and only 25 min south of Tivat, where the primary airport to access the Montenegrin coastal towns is located.

Both Kotor and Budva have their own unique charm and attractions, making it difficult to determine which one is “nicer.” Kotor, known for its stunning natural beauty, is located on the picturesque Bay of Kotor surrounded by mountains. It also boasts a well-preserved medieval old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the other hand, Budva is renowned for its lively nightlife, beautiful beaches, and vibrant atmosphere. It has seen significant growth and development in recent years. Today, it offers a mix of historical sites and modern amenities, making it popular among tourists.

Ultimately, the choice between Kotor and Budva depends on your preferences and what you are looking for in a destination. If you enjoy history, culture, and stunning landscapes, Kotor may be your better option. Budva might be more to your liking if you prefer a more bustling atmosphere with beachfront entertainment and nightlife.